Median

A median may be considered to be a long pedestrian refuge island that is raised and located near the center portion of the street. Medians provide a refuge for pedestrians and bicyclists who cross a street mid-block or at intersections. Adding medians to existing streets may require reducing lane widths, the number of lanes, and/or removing on-street parking. Medians can be designed with turning pockets at intersections or at restricted locations. Typically, safety is enhanced due to a reduction in vehicle speed and an increase in separation between opposing directions of traffic and a reduction in points of conflict where turns are allowed.

Medians provide a signature landscape opportunity and can increase community pride and sense of place.

Estimated cost: $15,000-$30,000 or more per 100 feet (priced on lineal foot).

Used for

• Managing motor vehicle traffic and providing comfortable left-hand turning pockets with fewer lanes or more narrow lanes.
• Improving access across streets in commercial, park and transit districts or corridors.
• Providing a refuge for pedestrians and bicyclists crossing the street.
• Increasing roadway efficiency by up to 30 percent.
• Providing space for street trees and other landscaping while reducing water runoff.
  

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EcoCity Cleveland
3500 Lorain Avenue, Suite 301, Cleveland OH 44113
Cuyahoga Bioregion
(216) 961-5020
www.ecocitycleveland.org
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